São Miguel d'Alfama image

São Miguel d'Alfama

Restaurant Portuguese restaurant Fado restaurant

😠 Probably the WORST food I've ever had!! The food is very poor quality and not chewable. I couldn't eat it! I told the waiter that it's not in my taste and he told me that he doesn't like the food either, but he must make money. Eventually I was charged way more than expected on dishes I didn't even... People often mention Fado, music, great, good, restaurant, fado, night, experience, singers, nice,


Address

R. de São Miguel 9, 1100-542 Lisboa, Portugal

Website

www.saomigueldalfama.com

Contact

+351 960 191 881

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

3.70 (888 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Fado (24) music (21) great (19) good (18) restaurant (18) fado (14) night (12) experience (12) singers (12) nice (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 David F. 3 years ago on Google • 86 reviews
    To be honest our night experience at this place tonight was in general great. We ended paying 60 euros but we also ordered a full bottle of red wine, besides the half one that was included on that price. We had each of us a Cod fish with nata (delicious) and a seafood rice (ok). The starters were included in the bill for something around £6. The singer was great, the owner very polite and a very good service from the people working there. The guy that attended us was from Nepal, speaking fluent portugués and very kind We are in coronavirus times and the place was taking the right measures. The desserts were ok, nothing from the other world. In a summary it was a great experience after a good meal, not very cheap but not expensive considering that you are listening FADO in an amazing historical area. I can easily come back to this place. Pictures below.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Shai G. 1 year ago on Google
    Probably the WORST food I've ever had!! The food is very poor quality and not chewable. I couldn't eat it! I told the waiter that it's not in my taste and he told me that he doesn't like the food either, but he must make money. Eventually I was charged way more than expected on dishes I didn't even get. Avoid this scam place by any circumstances! I'm sorry for the singers that must sing in such an awful place.. poor them
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Antonio M. 10 months ago on Google
    Restaurant in a very nice area of Lisbon, but with a bad relation of quality & cost and unpleasant staff that actually were the owners. The menu is very confusing with having three menus with a lack of options and then confusing for the wine and starters. The waiter was nice but there was a guitar player that was rude and was telling everyone to be in a total silence mode. We were with kids and constantly this guitar player that actually we understood was the son of the lady owner started with comments like “are you staring at me” or “I asked you to be in silence and until you don’t follow the rules we won’t play any music”…and I was whispering to one of the kids to actually be quiet. Then started to shout when one client said something in a tone that was aggressive and rude. Young fella and created an atmosphere that was simply not welcoming or friendly. Was already in several fado houses and really never saw someone so much authoritative and demanding like this guy. Then can only say the food and prices were overpriced and low quality. Well…an experience in a restaurant that can only say…if it’s the only one available…simply don’t go. It’s kind of a tourist inflated trap..
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gayane 8 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Wonderful atmosphere, incredibly delicious food and the music is what gives the atmosphere of this restaurant the most .I recommend it wholeheartedly because this restaurant deserves 5 stars
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miguel L. 1 year ago on Google • 48 reviews
    A great night of fado. We loved the show and the music, great singers and players. The food was good and the service attentive. Fado was played in intervals of 30-40 minutes with 20 min breaks which I thought was a great format. The menu was 30 euros pp, we ordered outside of it and enjoyed it very much. The minimum to spend is 30 euros pp and the public must remain silent during the show, be aware of this before going, they do tell you very explicitly, so you will very likely not be surprised. The price is great, taking into consideration it is a music show + a lovely dinner you could not ask for more. I thoroughly recommend it. I was put off by some negative reviews but we ended up going anyway, most of them were about being asked to remain silent. This is a rule of the house, it makes no sense to complain about rules you have accepted. Other complaints were about service or not liking the food. We found it lovely so I don't understand those either. My point is that this place deserves better reviews than it has, and that people have to be realistic in their criticisms and not cry about things which are their fault, not the restaurants.

  • 5/5 Barbara C. 4 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Wonderful family run fado restaurant, with friendly attentive staff, and excellent music under atmospheric old town arched ceiling. There are 3 set menus as well as a la carte. We opted for the 35 Euro menu which starts with bread, olives & cheese, a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian main, a wide range of desserts (they were delicious!), tea or coffee plus half a bottle of house wine. The two guitarists and three different fado singers were absolutely excellent, taking turns to sing two or three songs each. The restaurant rightly asks for silence during the music to focus attention on the performers, with lengthy breaks in between to resume service and conversation. We had a lovely night here & I recommend it highly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 K S (. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice restaurant for listening to Fado. Not many vegan options available but there is at least one main dish to eat. I was there for the Fado and it was worth it :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordy Pacheco M. 1 year ago on Google
    Just had the nicest evening! Not only the food and drinks were delicious, but the waiters and the owner were all super friendly. The Fado we got to listen to was just incredible. The music played on the guitars and the voice of the singers were fantastic and made the whole experience a magical one. I will definitely come back. Thanks again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Carla H. 1 year ago on Google
    The music/ fado is the only nice thing about this place. But the fact that they keep asking everyone to “keep silent” is not. We walked in with two hungry teens. They asked us to sit without talking for 45 minutes to listen to the show.. At first we enjoyed the music. But after a while we didn’t want to be silent the whole time. The food took forever to arrive and when it did. It was terrible, the chicken was dry and no taste at all. The soup was bland. They charged for cheese that we ordered and didn’t receive. But we just wanted to get out so we didn’t bring it up. Save yourself the torture. Go listen from outside where you can talk or leave when you want.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Albisoru B. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a great Saturday night at Sao Miguel dAlfama. We were looking for a place with fado and food and found the perfect one . The lady owner was amazing accommodating us even tho the place was full . Food was great , delicious sea bass , short menu which is always a good sign the food is good . Home made pies as dessert with self service , absolutely delicious. And the music ! The music was amazing .3 great fado singers and the guitar boys so so good . Ended the night with a good white Porto . Really enjoyed our perfect fado night.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charlotte O. 1 year ago on Google
    This was the best experience of our whole trip to Portugal! The atmosphere was the most important of all: we couldn’t stop smiling. A rather dark restaurant, with guitares, plates and keys on the walls, enough space per table, very nice and capable waiters, fast service… Every 20 minutes, we were asked to be silent as the Portuguese fado music was about to start. Two men played on traditional guitars and accompanied a young woman who sang us two songs, after which an elder guy with an impressive voice performed two other songs. We could eat and drink meanwhile of course, but it was nice that we could fully enjoy the music without everyone talking. The lights would go on again, and we could order again or talk before the next performance would start. The food was traditional and delicious, with a very nice sangria and nice wine. The main courses were not super special but we rather wanted to try the local specialties such as sardines and codfish cake. And to finish it all off: a dessert buffet which cost us only 5 euros per person. We would really recommend this place as a must to go to when you are in Lisbon, as it is so authentic and a wonderful experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shuvam K. 4 months ago on Google • 37 reviews
    This place definitely doesn’t deserve less than 4 stars. The staff is a little strict but very understandably so, Fado artists at the restaurant were mind blowing and the staff strictness to be silent during the performance is to show respect to the artists. Food was good(4/5) but the overall experience due to Fado was 10/10

  • 5/5 Didem D. 9 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    Food was delicious, service was good. The staff were concerned and the Fado artists were definitely very, very good. We had the chance to listen to it in a few places, we liked this place the most.

  • 5/5 Tatyana M. 1 year ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Tasty cuisine. Atmosphere is great. Best plase to get to know the faro, for that visit at night from 7pm and later.

  • 5/5 Tana M. 7 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    More than we expected. The singers were fabulous. The food was great (I couldn’t finish my pork as it was so filling). My son and I were seated at a table for four. Within minutes we were joined by a young man from Norway. Then, they seated this beautiful young lady from Siberia at our table. It made for a very delightful evening – sharing fado music, wine port, and lively conversation. This restaurant was recommended by three locals. Oh, they have a dessert bar that will tempt you to skip dinner. ;-)

  • 5/5 Prerna D. 10 months ago on Google
    Incredible performance and ambience - very authentic experience and we are so so glad we came to this place at the recommendation of a local!! Loved it!

  • 5/5 McKenzie B. 8 months ago on Google
    We stumbled across this place on our way to another fado restaurant, but we accidentally came across this place and I am so glad we decided to change our plans and stay. If you are looking for a beautiful Fado experience, this is the place. It’s family run, a very intimate atmosphere, and the food is delicious! The performers brought tears to my eyes several times, and it’s an experience I will never forget!

  • 1/5 Kirsty C. 6 months ago on Google
    We dropped by at 9.30pm, the place was quite empty so we spoke to the doorman / security on the door, who started off by saying 15 euros each minimum - we weren't willing to pay that as it was 1/2 way through the performance (having started at 1900 hrs) so he then said 40 total & opened the door, seated us seemed VERY ameniable - don't be fooled!!. We ordered our drinks and listened to the music, guitarists were GREAT, we are btw musicians ourselves Having asked for the bill we were told we had to pay 60 euros & not the 40 agreed at the door. We questioned this & they argued it verermously!? When questioned again the doorman walked away & would not speak to us - says it all! So you've been warned AVOID AT ALL COST & just LOOK at the REVIEWS & their REPLIES with no apologises!!?. Spend your time & money at ANY other venue not here!. This was a real shame as we love to support local venues & musicians at all places we visit.

  • 5/5 Rachel B. 10 months ago on Google
    Incredible music. An older gentleman and younger woman. Both were amazing. We couldn’t have had a better last night in Lisbon. Thank you for the perfect evening and wonderful food. Recommending to everyone.

  • 4/5 Pawel K. 2 years ago on Google
    Very pleasant Fado experience with great musicians and singers. The visit and so this review of the place is based on: 90% Fado, 5% atmosphere and 5% drinks and food. The food - looks everyone enjoyed but as vegans we had no much choice. Legumes a bras marked as vegan/vegetarian was with egg (mea culpa) and partially made of frozen vegs. Sangria was quite good. The Fado and atmosphere - this was ours 3rd night in row with Fado and so far most formal. Signing to break ratio was 50/50 with interval 25 minutes - ideal to enjoy Fado and ourselves during breaks.

  • 5/5 Y M. 1 year ago on Google
    I went there with my fiancé and 2 parents and we really liked the typical Portuguese atmosphere. The food was traditional Portuguese food, and the 30e menu includes a glass of wine, illimités deserts and appetizers + main meal. They even give you a whole bottle of ginha, so it’s really worth your money! It seems this restaurant has been managed by a family from generations and it feels authentic! The music was very good, and the singers excellents!

  • 5/5 Marion von Burg M. 1 year ago on Google
    We enjoyed our Fado evening very much with typical portuguese food, a delicious dessert buffet and authentic music and talented singers, I really recommend this place.

  • 5/5 Ray Y. 1 year ago on Google
    The live Fado music here is really good and entertaining! The three singers and two guitarists are all excellent. We had a wonderful evening. At the end of our dinner, we met the restaurant’s owner. She is really nice and warm. We highly recommend this restaurant!

  • 5/5 Lucas M. 1 year ago on Google
    Intense, honest music by technically and emotionally excellent musicians (most young and eager, plus the strong and moving voice of an older gentleman), not a dull routine show at all. Staff was very welcoming. The menu included several extras (drinks, cheese and olives, rich choice of dessert, liquor and coffee) and we enjoyed the sardines and the vegetables with rice (definitely good value for money).

  • 3/5 Bianca T. 5 years ago on Google
    Service was ok - not friendly or welcoming - but most people understood English, thankfully. The appetizer (olives and bread) was not fresh... Both were off. The entree was well-cooked and tasty both for me and my partner. I had the sea bass Portuguese Style and we also ordered the vegetarian dish. The Fado singer was great.

  • 5/5 Ikita P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to listen to some Fado. They have a nice interior, it is pretty cozy so you can really enjoy a live Fado performance while enjoying some wine. The food is good, with limited but good vegetarian option. The Fado singers really captivate your attention and makes the evening a special one. On weekends they might have good deals as well. They only take cash, no cards.

  • 4/5 Jennifer C. 4 years ago on Google
    Cute little restaurant with Fado. After being turned away without reservations at 2 other Fado restaurants on a Saturday night (Our mistake for not planning ahead) we stumbled upon this place that welcomed us in. It filled up quickly. While I will admit that service was a bit slow, 70 people and 2 servers, overall it was good. They do have a 20€ minimum pp. All entree's were 15€. But after the bread and olives (3.50€pp) and water we were there. If you get dessert or cocktails you will definitely meet the minimum anyways. Unlike other reviews stated, there was not a separate fee for butter or for the musicians. The food was great, I had the pork and clams, while others had the steak and another the ribs. We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The Fado was great, though that was our first experience. All in all a great evening!

  • 5/5 Nora V. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice restaurant. Pure Portugese food, amazing sangria, friendly personnel and amazing fado singers with guitarists. We enjoyed every minute and got goosebumps after the First Lady began to sing!!

  • 5/5 Nina V. 4 years ago on Google
    This restaurant was a big surprise for us. For dinner we had ordered two dishes €15 each and both came perfect. A concert Fado was great. All employees at this restaurant were very professional and nice. Recomend for everybody who wants to spend a nice evening and listen to beautiful music.

  • 5/5 Deniz C. 2 years ago on Google
    Cosy place for a beautiful fado night! Lovely people serving and singing, thank you All for this joyful night.

  • 1/5 אביגיל �. 3 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Today I passed by the restaurant and saw that there were fado performances with a menu of meals at prices of 15-18 euros. I made a reservation for me and friends for the evening, at the end we received a bill for what we ordered, when we wanted to pay they asked us to go out and to the surprise of all of us we were aggressively required to pay 30 euros each when we said that at no point We were told this was the minimum they threatened to call the police and wouldn't let us go. Unfortunately the evening ended in a very bad taste. I wouldn't go any closer.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Barr N. 3 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Wonderful atmosphere, delicious food with a dessert bar. Fado was played in intervals of 30-40 minutes with 20 min breaks which I thought was a great format.I highly recommend it.


Call +351 960 191 881 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed inside
  • Parking
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Salad bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ All you can eat
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
    • ✓️ Private dining room
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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